Dynamic parachute four-line release simulator

A dynamic parachute four-line release simulator device for providing training in parachute descent survival techniques, comprising:

• a. a support hoop having means thereon for axially suspending said hoop horizontally from a central point at a suitable distance above a ground area;
• b. a hoop supporting means for suspending the support hoop from said central point;
• c. said support hoop being operable to be moved about said central point while suspended from said hoop supporting means;
• d. a plurality of loop attachment means spaced about the circumference of said support hoop;
• e. a plurality of elastic bungee cords each having one end thereof attached to a respective one of said loop attachment means;
• the elasticity and number of said elastic bungee cords operating to produce springing action which contributes to providing "under parachute canopy" simulation for said simulator device;
• f. a plurality of parachute suspension lines each having one end thereof, respectively, attached to a respective opposite end of a said elastic bungee cord;
• g. said plurality of parachute lines being divided into four groups, by quadrant around said support hoop;
• h. the opposite ends of said parachute suspension lines, by quadrant group, being attached to a respective one of four parachute connector link means located two toward the front and two toward the rear of the simulator device;
• i. a parachute riser assembly having four upper ends and two distal ends;
• the four upper ends of said parachute riser assembly being connected to respective ones of said four parachute connector link means;
• the two distal ends of said parachute riser assembly each being provided with a quick-release parachute fitting operable to be connected to the parachute harness worn by a trainee;
• j. a pair of lanyards being provided on said parachute riser assembly, one on the right and one on the left, and having means at one end of each thereof for grasping by the trainee;
• said lanyards being operable to cause the release of a small portion of adjacent parachute suspension lines from being connected to respective left and right rear parachute connector link means thus simulating release of select suspension lines to an actual parachute canopy to provide control and forward motion in descent, and said lanyards further being operable by manipulation thereof to cause rotation of said support hoop toward the right or toward the left, respectively, thus simulating control of an actual parachute canopy whereby the parachute can be directed to turn to the right or to the left.